Read More

She also directed that Mrs Knight should inform the court within six days if she planned to hire a solicitor.

Also in attendance at the hearing was Hannah Sweetman, lead investigator from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who was asked to have her report ready and before the court by August 10.

What is the IOPC?

The Independent Office for Police Conduct oversees the police complaints system in England and Wales.

They investigate the most serious matters, including deaths following police contact, and set the standards by which the police should handle complaints.

They use learning from their work to influence changes in policing.

The IOPC are independent, and make their decisions entirely independently of the police and government.

The full inquest, which is expected to be heard with a jury, is scheduled for September 24 and 25.

Speaking shortly after Mr Knight's death, a spokesman for Essex Police said: "We arrested a 55-year-old man from Grays on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply on Sunday, November 19.

"Whilst in custody the man became ill at around 9pm and was taken to Basildon hospital where he was sadly pronounced as dead.